Our Fitness Blog

Does Lifting Weights Make You Bulky?

As women, we have the capability of being just as strong as men if not stronger. A typical gym will have almost all of the equipment you could possibly need to work out right? The cardio machines are put in one section, the medicine balls, mats, and abdominal work outs are placed in their own area, and weight machines are lined up in a certain order. Then there are the free weights with the benches, and they’re also in their own special area, usually being occupied with a bunch of guys. When I think about an average gym, I visualize females on the treadmill or elliptical and maybe doing some abdominal exercises at the end, and the guys are all lifting weights. At least I USED to visualize it that way.

Ladies, there are more options for you to lose weight other than running and doing tons of cardio. Cardio is definitely a plus for your body, but it doesn’t challenge your body to its full potential. Now I’m not saying step off of the treadmill and start doing bicep curls with the heaviest pair of dumbbells you can lift. If you’re anything like me, your desire is to look toned and show muscles without getting bulky, and you can definitely do that with strength training and lifting weights. In fact, science proves that unlike men, women typically don't gain size from strength training, because compared to men, women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy (fancy word for an increase in the size of muscles). You will, however, develop muscle tone and definition!

After I had my son, I was more determined than ever to get rid of that extra baby weight and belly fat. I really didn’t think my body would ever be the same no matter what I did. My boyfriend suggested I go work out with him at the gym. No cardio, just weights. To be honest, I was really nervous. I didn’t want to look like a fool lifting 5 lb. dumbbells surrounded by a bunch of guys lifting 2x my weight. I got past the nervousness, and I am SO glad I did! We were going three days a week, working two different body parts each day followed by a couple of abs work outs at the end, and I could see a difference. My arms were starting to show some muscles, and my waist was slimming down. But, after doing the same routine ample times, I was getting bored. I was enjoying the outcome but not the same routine three days a week. I was fortunate enough to find out about 9Round. I had my first free workout and automatically became a 9Round addict. It is not your average intimidating gym because you will see different genders of different sizes every time, and the best part is, they’re doing the exact same work outs as you are, but each at their own pace! I can work out there every day and have a whole different work out each time. Regardless of which day I go or what time I go, I get my cardio in with a variety of resistance training during my work out. I love never having to think up my own exercises. With the trainer there to think for me, it truly is a great way to slim down, tone, and get definition!

So now I get my 9 Round fix in 2-3 days a week, and I can honestly say that I feel healthier, stronger, and even more fit today than I did pre-baby. (P.S. I do not look like muscle head what so ever).

My point is… don’t be afraid to pick up some weights along with your cardio work out. Not only will it benefit your body and health, but you will start to feel as fabulous as everyone else sees you and seriously, who doesn’t want to feel fabulous?!

Here’s a little inspiration for you ladies that helped me at the beginning of my battle to lose weight!